CH-BOLC Week 1

One thing for sure. I am in the Army now, LOL! I am trying to get used to marching to the cadence of hurry up and wait. That pretty much explains the week in a nut shell. We have spent the whole week getting processed. Below is a list of things we have gotten done this week with a little or lot of hurry up and wait.

• Blood work
  
• Dental X rays
• Dental exam
• Eye exam
• Hearing test
• Vaccinations (4 shots back to back)
• Lab work
• Buying of our uniforms, etc.
• Military ID
• Issue of our gear (sleeping equipment, helmet, wet gear, gas mask, canteens, etc.)
• PT test weigh in

Well, that is all I can think of, but I know it felt like more than that. I would like to say a special thanks to all of you who have been praying for me and my family. Your prayers have made a difference in our lives. God has us in a huge transition, but by His grace we are making it. Thanks for partnering with us as we follow His calling. We are blessed because you lift us to the Father in prayer. 

Well, I am off for now. I have laundry in the dryer that I need to check on. Plus, I need to be in bed now for my early wake up call.

I'm Here

Where is here? Fort Jackson, South Carolina (Columbia). I made the trip safely, yesterday. After unloading for an hour, I got my room all set up and situated. (It took an hour to unload with the help of two other Chaplains, Loren and Mark.) I am glad to have that done since life is going to get hectic soon. I am setting a goal to post once a week. Some guys who have been through this process have posted every day. That is a great goal, but I do not believe I am that disciplined in blogging. Anyway, you should hear from me again soon.

Coming and Going

There is so much of our lives that I want to share with you, but it seems like there is not enough time to share anything. It seems like we have been passing ourselves coming and going. We are trying to get ready for our move. We are scheduled to pack on June 2-3 and load on June 4.

Yesterday was our last Sunday at Menokin. It was a good day. Laura, Victoria and I led in worship and the Lord was with us as we did so. Following worship we had a time of fellowship. Wow, I ate more than I should have, but I enjoyed that good old Menokin cooking. 

Maybe the best way to share some other things that have been going on in our lives is to just list them. Here goes, in no particular order:

1. We continue the downsizing process. Our house is looking less like an atomic bomb was dropped thanks to the hard work of Laura and Victoria.

2. I sold the truck. We had three vehicles and only needed two so we sold the one that got the worst gas mileage. Gas here is over $3.75.

3. We are out of credit card debt!!! Now we have to kick Sallie Mae out of the spare bedroom.

4. I am on vacation this week.

5.We went to DC twice last month. The second time we went to tour the White House.

6. We are going to Kings Dominion, this week.

7. We have been given two new Mac Books for our ministry. These computers are sweet!!!

8. We had a yard sale and got rid of all the stuff we were not going to move.

9. We escaped to Hershey PA for a couple of days. 

10. I went to the NASCAR race in Richmond. It was a blast!

11. I got my Father's Day gift early. Laura and Victoria will be in VA on June 15 so we celebrated Father's Day on Mother's Day. So for us it was Parent's Day! They got me an iPod in preparation for basic and eventually Iraq. It is sweet!!

Oh, I see myself coming so I better go!

Smith Family Story

I came across this video today and wanted to share it with you. I just finished a series on suffering. This video ties in beautifully. I hope it is a blessing to you.
Click here to see the Smith Family Story Video.

For those of you who do not know, Todd sings with Selah.

I'll Do Whatever You Ask

Ridley Barron is pastor of Ridgeview Community Church in Tennessee. I read his blog, and I wanted to share one of his recent posts.

Here is the link to I'll Do Whatever You Ask.

Am I (are you) willing to do whatever God asks? I hope this question will be turned into a statement: I am (you are) willing to do whatever God ask!

Something to think about!